JUST IN: Kanu’s Defence Stalled as Court Adjourns Trial to October 27

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Monday, October 27, to allow him time to open his defence in the terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

Justice James Omotosho granted the adjournment on Friday after Kanu informed the court that his former legal team, led by ex-Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), had yet to release his case file to him.

At the resumed hearing, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) appeared for the prosecution and reminded the court that the session was scheduled for Kanu to begin his defence. However, Kanu appeared in court without legal representation, announcing his own appearance and explaining that his previous counsel had withdrawn from the case and withheld his documents. He requested more time to retrieve the file and prepare his defence.

“My lord, my counsel left the case yesterday, and I have not received the file from them,” Kanu told the court. He also disclosed his plan to call 23 witnesses — both local and foreign — and asked the court to order the Department of State Services (DSS) to grant his foreign witnesses access to him. In addition, he sought permission for his legal team to visit him on non-working days, a request Justice Omotosho approved.

Awomolo described Kanu’s complaint as “strange,” noting that the defendant had previously spent hours in court with the same legal team. He urged the court to enforce its earlier directive requiring Kanu to conclude his defence within six days, accusing him of delaying the proceedings.

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho acknowledged that Kanu’s explanation was “strange and difficult to believe” but agreed to a brief adjournment in the interest of justice. He warned against further delays, noting that the prolonged trial had disrupted other cases on the court’s docket.

The case was adjourned to Monday, October 27, for Kanu to commence his defence.